A Closer Look at Concrete Cooling Systems: Aggregate Cooling by Air
Concrete cooling systems are used to ensure that the concrete product you provide is strong, durable, less likely to crack, and completely uniform. They are necessary because concrete is best when it is cool, and the chemical reaction that occurs during the hydration process is exothermic, which means that it releases heat. If you don’t have a cooling system in place, the temperature can exceed 200°F.
There are many different types of cooling systems. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC knows that not every business has the same needs, so we will help you customize a system to best fit your business. There are various methods of concrete cooling to choose from. One effective component of many concrete cooling systems is aggregate cooling by air. Let’s take a look at what aggregate cooling by air is and how it works.
About Aggregate Cooling by Air
Aggregate cooling in general is the lowering of the temperature of the materials, or aggregates, used to make the cement mix. This helps ensure that the concrete will stay cool when it is being made. Aggregate cooling can be done in two ways—by water or by air. In this instance, the one that is being discussed is cooling by air.
Aggregate cooling by air is particularly useful at construction sites that don’t have much space. This is because the aggregates can be cooled in their existing silos and without a dewatering system. This makes them a great choice at many worksites.
How Concrete Aggregate Cooling By Air Works
Aggregate cooling by air requires that an exact, defined airstream is blown continuously through the aggregates in the silos. Nozzles at the bottom of the silo are used to guarantee that the air distribution is specific. The aggregates have to be moistened during this process, but you don’t want the moisture to exceed what is required.
Aggregate cooling by air lets cold air get streamed through the silo, and as it passes through the silo and over the aggregates it is warmed up again. The warm air carries out the added moisture that is in the silo. This helps ensure that no additional moisture will be left behind on the aggregates, thus allowing you to control the aggregate’s environment from moisture to temperature.
More Advantages of Concrete Aggregate Cooling by Air
Not only does the aggregate cooling by air help you control the moisture in the silos, but there are other benefits to using this type of cooling system:
- Continuous Process – With an aggregate cooling by air, a continuous process can be achieved. This means that you do not have to worry about the aggregates reaching a temperature that is too high because they can always be cooled.
- Low Operational Costs – Cooling by air is a comparatively cheap cooling option.
- Low Cost of Investment – Not only is this option cheap to operate, but it is also a much less expensive option to set up than many other systems. This is in large part due to the fact that air aggregate cooling does not require a separate dewatering system to remove excess moisture.
- Mobile Set-up – This system doesn’t require as much space as other systems, which means you are able to use the equipment you already have. This allows for a more mobile set-up than the other cooling options.
SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Delivers Quality Aggregate Cooling Systems
At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC we want you to get the absolute best service and system possible. For some clients this will mean an aggregate cooling by air system, while other clients will benefit more from a aggregate cooling by water system, or a concrete cooling system that does not focus on the aggregates at all. Please contact us to discuss your needs so that we can come up with a system to best address them.
